Portrait and wedding photographer Jeremy Chou of Pasadena, California, always knew his future was in the tangible arts. Following his first calling, Jeremy earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture at California State Polytechnic, Pomona, and went to work at a major architectural firm. “When my life became all about Excel spreadsheets and writing reports, I knew it was time to make a change,” Jeremy says.
He bought his first DSLR, and with his daughters as his first subjects, soon found his new calling. “The ability to create art and connect with my subjects was fascinating to me,” he says. “Photography gave me the creative outlet I needed.”
One wedding shoot with a Canon EOS Rebel Ti (one week after he acquired it!) for a relative sealed Jeremy’s commitment to the profession. “It’s been an amazing adventure,” he says. “I’ve been able to document my clients’ weddings all over the world.” Film and digital engagement and family portraits are now part of his thriving luxury fine art wedding business, Jeremy Chou Photography, jeremychou.com.
Unique artistic voice: Q&A
Does your training in architecture influence your photography? When I first picked up a camera, I naturally gravitated toward using leading lines, the rule of thirds, and interesting play between light and shadow. Architectural training also meant I had to know the best angles to represent my design projects, so when I transitioned into portraiture — weddings or family photos — I was able to use the most flattering facades of the built environment I was shooting in.
When did you first recognize your own photographic style emerging? I knew what I naturally liked, but I didn’t know why. I think true artistry comes from understanding why we’re attracted to certain aesthetics, beyond an emotional response. Once we can articulate the why, we can start to refine it.
From the start, I loved the aesthetics of film, natural light, and beautifully controlled emotions in my subjects. But it took a good 5 years to let my inner artistic voice emerge. I made conscious efforts to produce only the type of work that inspired me. I became selective with the images I shoot, and for each wedding, I make the decision to makeevery scene better, find better light, refine posing.
Everything started clicking together after a while! The biggest challenge I’ve encountered is how to continue refining my work. After a while, it seems all my work looks the same. I often hear that from photographers I mentor as well. Inevitably, people become bored with the kind of art they’re producing. It usually just means we’ve given up on refining our work. But refinement of our work is what truly separates those photographers who will emerge in the over-saturated market.
When you edit your work and cull your choices, who are you curating for? It sounds cliché, but photographers need to be aware of their inner voice. We intuitively know what speaks to us — the kind of emotion, lighting, mood, whatever it is. We know which images we resonate with. So curate for whatever resonates with you. Photographers won’t be able to figure out who their ideal clients are until they know who they are as artists. It is always a matter of honing your own style. And being really, really critical about showing only those images that speak to your brand. It is just as important what we don’t show to the public as what we do show.
It takes a lot of time to develop a style. I’m talking about years, if you’re lucky. Some photographers will constantly evolve their style throughout the course of their careers, and never find something they’re known for. My suggestion would be to really search inside and figure out what makes you you, and go from there.
How do you advise serious photographers distinguish themselves? The barrier to entry in the wedding market is at a bare minimum right now, and I think it’s fantastic. I also understand everybody has different goals in mind when they enter. For those photographers who want to distinguish themselves, my top advice is to do really, really good work. Spend time honing your craft, and always have long-term career growth in mind. It’s a marathon not a sprint. Always make business decisions based on what’s good for the business in the long run. Anybody can go down to their local Target, pick up a DSLR, and call themself a photographer. Because of that, many photographers don’t try as hard as they can to hone their skills. My advice to a new photographer would be to never stop learning. Never stop perfecting your craft, and never stop chasing your dream.
What mistake have you learned the most from? Not trusting myself. As artists, we all go through periods of self-doubt. We tend to feel more toward others and connect more with our inner selves as well. I’ve found myself needing validation from my peers in order to believe I’m doing good work, but I transformed my business when I fully embraced film into my art and my business. The transformation so far has been an amazing journey, and one that I love to share with all photographers.
Jeremy’s Tools
Film: Mamiya AF, 80mm f/2.8 AF, 80mm f/1.9, Canon EOS 1V 35mm Camera, Hoya filters, Sekonic L-358 light meter
Digital: Canon EOS 5D Mark III; 50mm f/1.2L, 24-70mm f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L Flash: Canon 600-RT x 2 Film
Storage: Sixteen & Grain Film Satchel Primary
Film Stocks: Fujifilm Fujicolor 120mm PRO 400H (120), Fujicolor Superia 35mm 1600, Ilford 120mm HP5 400
All photos by Jeremy Chou
This article first appeared in the January/February 2018 print issue of Click Magazine. Order print or digital single issues from the Click & Company Store. Or better yet, get a 1-year subscription so you never miss an issue!
